CRETE

26th Annual Shamanic Retreat

9-Day Retreat in the Mediterranean

Join Brant Secunda to celebrate the blossoming of spring on the spectacular island of Crete, the Deer Island of Greece. Find your connection to the gentle waters of the sea and the rugged mountains that rise up from the shores of secluded beaches. Immerse yourself in this healing environment to regenerate your body and soul.

Held sacred for thousands of years, the land is alive, infused with the energy of ancient gods and goddesses. The Dance of the Deer Foundation’s Cretan Center is surrounded by the turquoise blue of the sea and has an incredible view of the island’s tallest snow-capped peaks. The Center overlooks the cove of the Sacred Healing Water Beach and is the perfect environment for healing through shamanic practice.

Registration Info

April 3 – 12, 2015General Registration Fee: $1495*

Includes an unforgettable retreat experience and beautiful accommodations.

(888) 455-3337

Geographic Information

Crete is the 5th largest island in the Mediterranean and holds a significant part of Greek heritage and culture. It is considered the birthplace of western civilization and is home to countless historical sites found within Greek mythology. Crete was once the center of the Minoan civilization (c. 2700–1420 BC), currently regarded as the earliest recorded civilization in Europe. The island’s earliest human inhabitants date back to 130,000 years ago (approx. 128,000 BC) with Neolithic farming communities.

The Cretan landscape includes rocky mountain slopes, deep valleys, long gorges, and 650mi (1,046 km) of beautiful coastline. The tallest mountain on the island, Mount Ida, was the birthplace of Zeus. Crete is filled with archeological sites, including Knossos, Phaistos, Gortys, and countless others.

Pilgrimage Back in Time

The island is filled with ancient history dating back thousands of years. Gain a unique sense of timelessness as you journey to places of power throughout the southern coastline. Each mountain, each cliff, each valley has a spiritual essence. Through traditional Huichol pilgrimage, we strive to tap into that natural energy to empower both ourselves and the place.

Purify Your Body, Heart & Spirit

Crete is a place of healing, a place to nourish the body and replenish the soul. The tranquility of the island helps to clear the mind and the power of its sacred mountains and gorges fills the spirit with energy. Our annual retreat on Crete provides an opportunity to bring ancient wisdom into your modern life. The essence of the land guides the spirit and through daily shamanic practice we strengthen our spiritual connection to nature.

“We have to realize that everything outside of us is also within us. We are the flowers, the trees, the earth, the fire, the sacred waters. We are not only a part of our environment, but a mirror of it as well.”
– Brant Secunda

Join us for a life-changing experience that can empower your life forever. Journey to this cradle of modern civilization to tap into the healing energy of the sea and learn to integrate your body, heart and spirit to help guide you on your path forward.

Visionary Journeying

Sacred Pilgrimage

Visit various sacred sites, such as the Mt. Kastri, Paligramos and Tate-haramara (Grandmother Sea) to empower both the place and yourself. Learn the traditional form of Huichol pilgrimage; of approaching places of power (kaku-yari).

Wisdom Teachings

Listen to creation myths of the Huichol cosmology. Feed both mind and soul through this age-old wisdom and gain greater clarity on your path.

Authentic Art

Take in the beauty of authentic Huichol artwork and learn to create your own visionary work of art, which carry meaning and blessings.

Mediterranean Sea

The feminine power of the island is rooted in its inherent connection to the turquoise waters that surround her. Sandy beaches and hidden coves link land and sea, creating a harmony and balance deeply engrained in the landscape. The tranquility of the gentle waves and the warm water provide a relaxing environment in which to connect the outer world with your inner world.

Crystal Clarity

The crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean provide a template for our soul. Through daily practices of purification and spiritual cleansing, we work to find manya-tuku (crystal clarity).

The warm waters of this land caress the soul and the sound of gentle waves purifies the mind. Throughout the retreat you will discover ways in which to mirror the beauty of the sacred waters.

Spiritual Community

This retreat provides an opportunity to practice ancient indigenous practices in a community of like-minded individuals. Together we will sing traditional chants, journey on sacred pilgrimages, enjoy delicious meals, and purify our souls in the spectacular waters of the Cretan coast.

The Power of Nature

We honor the natural times of power throughout each day. Walk along the beach at sunrise, chant to the mid-day sun, and end the day by honoring the Sakaimoka (the spirit of the setting sun).

Details & Logistics

Accommodations & Dinning

Retreat participants stay at a number of Tavernas or small family owned hotels. Each Taverna has beautiful rooms near to the blue waves.

Peace & Comfort

Sleep in comfort near the sea. All rooms are just seconds from the splashing waves. The traditional Cretan Tavernas offer not only beautiful accommodations, but also incredible local food.

Shared & Private Rooms

Four tavernas provide the accommodations for the retreat. Each room includes a private bath and many have ocean-view balconies. Private rooms are available for those who enjoy more privacy.

Fresh Mediterranean Meals

Everyone will dine together at the different Tavernas each meal. Delicious local foods, including vegetables, fish and meats will make up the menu. Meals are not included in the retreat registration.

Mouth-Watering Dishes

Each meal, you will have an opportunity to explore the mouth-watering dishes that make up the famously healthy Mediterranean diet.

Location of the Retreat

The retreat will be held on the south coast of Crete, Greece. We stay in family-owned Tavenrnas (traditional Greek inns) in a small village at the end of the road. The exact location of the retreat will be provided upon registration.

Flight Arrangements

There are three airports in Crete: Heraklion airport (or “Kazantzakis” airport – code: HER) Chania airport (or “Daskalogiannis” – code: CHQ) and the small Sitia airport (code: JSH). All of them are international airports.

For assistance with air travel, please contact Peter Silberschatz at Travel Works – toll free (800) 874-7207 or international (415) 897-4535

Airport Transportation

It is a 1.5-2 hour drive from the airport to our retreat. Taxis or buses will be arranged for all participants.*cost of transportation not included

Pricing

Standard (shared room)

$1495

Private Room

$1695

Student/Senior

$1345.50

Children (4-18 years)

$747.50

Children (3 and under)

Free

* All registration and pricing options include instruction and accommodation options.
* Limited private rooms available.
* Registration fee does NOT include meals, transportation or airfare.